Do you have an exit plan?

If you are someone experiencing domestic abuse you need to think about an exit plan.

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If you consider that there is a real risk that you or a dependent child will be subjected to serious harm think about the following:

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1. How would you obtain urgent help?

2. Have you spoken to a trustworthy friend or family member?

3. Where would you go?

4. Would you need to flee to a safe house outside of your borough - i.e. a women’s refuge?

5. Do you need legal advice about obtaining emergency court orders?

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Important information & documents:

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• Make a note of important telephone numbers such as:

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                        Your GP                        Women support groups

                        Health visitor               Social worker            

                        Solicitor                       Trusted individuals

           

            When recording these details, if possible, avoid doing so on your phone if there is a risk that 

your phone might be confiscated or accessed by someone you do not trust.

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• Record any important login details?

       This is best done mentally for security purposes

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• Place important documents which apply to you or any dependent child in an accessible place, including:

  1. Your driving licence

  2. Passport(s)

  3. Recent bank statement(s)

  4. Red book(s)

  5. Any other important documents

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• Medication – for yourself and children

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• Money
   

• Any other important item(s) should there be a need for you and your children to leave in an emergency whereby you will have very little time to gather your belongings and be able to think with a ‘clear head’.

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• Make a plan on how you will actually leave -  

  1. Who will assist you confidentially

  2. Where will you go

  3. What transport would you use?

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When putting a plan together you must do so carefully

• You wouldn’t want to arouse the suspicions of untrustworthy members of your household as this is likely to place you at greater risk of harm. 

• Therefore, only take the steps that are necessary since your safety is extremely important, as well as the safety of young children who may be relying upon you.

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Remember:

• Help is out there although accessing it might be different to how it was before Covid-19.

• If you require urgent help and assistance or need to flee from where you are a solution will be found. 

• Please do not suffer in silence or in isolation.